U(infinity) Gauge Theory from Higher Dimensions

Abstract

We show that classical U(infinity) gauge theories can be obtained from the dimensional reduction of a certain class of higher-derivative theories. In general, the exact symmetry is attained in the limit of degenerate metric; otherwise, the infinite-dimensional symmetry can be taken as spontaneously broken. Monopole solutions are examined in the model for scalar and gauge fields. An extension to gravity is also discussed.

13 pages, no figure